Urge for newness

We all need help to stay on time. Sometimes clocks can be art in themselves. (Paula Huntley photo)

Whenever we enter a new year, we have the urge for newness — paint a room, clear out cupboards, colour changes or all new bedding. We also try and get rid of clutter, and, as the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new.

As we know, freshness and change motivates us and for the next couple of months we have a chance also to get great pricing on things at those after-Christmas sales. (When I was younger I learned a lot from my mother who liked new things/new looks but believed in being economical. If you planned ahead, you could achieve that goal.)

There are three common areas in homes that seem to be a favourite for changes — mudrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Here are my top picks for change/newness in these areas. Whether you choose one idea or five, have some creative fun and put your own spin on the choices.

Kitchens

Storage containers: clear or stainless steel, so much choice. Also great for kid’s rooms, craft and laundry rooms.

Under-mounted TV /radio: Be informed/entertained while preparing the meals (just off the counter).

Communication centre: A chalk board. Accessible to all and a must in a busy household. Can be floor-to-ceiling trimmed with moulding or a small store-bought one.

Recycling/trash bins: Change the look of the green bins, at least for inside the home. Try stainless steel.

Large cabinets: Items are out of sight, and a piece of furniture that actually could be used in any of the three rooms listed, depending on size.

Pull out cabinets: Pots and pans do not need to be on bottom cupboards anymore. This idea, although not new, is still not being used, even in newer homes. Great on your back (not having to crawl into the corner cupboards for pans).

Subway tile back splash: White is top seller but many colour choices are available. And this tile always looks updated.

Tea kettles with colour!

Invest in a great selection of cookware/knives and chopping blocks: I am not a pro in the kitchen, but good support behind you makes you at least look like you know what you are doing.

Bathrooms

Door hooks: Behind the door or on the wall. Have a choice, as we all need some place to hang things. (Remember to always make the room work to your lifestyle, which means put things around for your convenience).

Seating: Relax while drying off from your shower, and if space is limited, a stool is perfect.

Storage jars: Kitchen-store pastas and candy jars, and bathroom-store Q-tips/cotton balls, etc. jars. This is an opportunity to take things out of boxes and have items at your convenience.

Mirrors: We need them, so pick smartly. Large wooden frames, all mirror/ no frame, full, floor-length or vanity size. Pick, and don’t be afraid.

Sinks: Most people go with top-mounted sinks but why not an under-mounted sink? Great finish to a countertop area (This idea is also very big for kitchens).

Lighting: Why not invest in pot lights? This idea eliminates fixtures — clean lines here we come. (You can still use fixtures if chosen, but now there is an even light throughout the whole area, not just in a concentrated setting.)

Trays: Leather, glass or wood. They keep everything together and contained (just organize by bottle/jar size).

Accessories: Why not use apothecary jars for loofahs, sponges or soaps? They not only dress up an area but keep the room from being weighted down with too much colour.

Knobs: Crystal or Lucite for vanities will keep the room from becoming outdated.

Frosted-glass panels: If you have storage/cupboards with glass doors, why not give them a frosted look while staying on budget? It gives a greater feel of openness and light. (You can find rolls of assorted designs at your home improvements centres).

Mudrooms

Footwear storage: A shallow closet fitted with cubby holes designed to accommodate small areas — baskets for shoes/sandals. Large, stand-up areas for boots (bottom areas should be lined for wet drippings).

Wrought iron hat and coat stands.

Coat storage: Because of their bulk, they are better off stored away. If you do not have any built-in closets, why not use the ready-built closets from Home Depot? (Easy to put together).

Seating: Benches, either built-ins or stand-alones. You need someplace to put footwear on, and they are also great for different age groups that might need some assistance.

Shelving/drawers: Banks of drawers or open shelving, just have something. Here’s a thought. Why not have some place also built to hold your recyclable bins, and shelving over the top? Two great areas working hard.

Accessories: Yes, even in this room. Mirrors, pegs for dog leashes. Pick them wisely. These things are definitely focal points in a smaller room, as details really stand out.

Window treatments: Keep it simple. Let in light while controlling privacy if needed. Why not use shutters or even wrought-iron inserts that can be attached to window frames for interest?

Artwork: Make it personal as this room is family driven. Children’s drawings or even trip pictures. Just remember to frame them. If you have light walls, why not use a dark frame for interest?

Clocks: Don’t forget, we all need help to stay on time. There are so many choices out there. Sometimes clocks can be art in themselves.

Communication board: A small Post-it board for notes etc. (Just remember to keep it neat).

A place for everything and everything in its place! Remember, as you grow, your requirements for your spaces grow, so let’s adapt to the changes without sacrificing style or breaking your budget.